Researchers
for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) found over 200
dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that
they may have died from Avian Flu. A Bird Pathologist examined the
remains of all the crows and, to everyone's relief, confirmed the
problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death
appeared to be vehicular
impacts.
However,
during the detailed analysis, it was noted that varying colors
of
paint appeared on the birds' beaks and claws. By analyzing
these
paint
residues, it was determined that 98% of the crows had been killed
by
impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a
car.
MTA
then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was
a
cause
for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus
car
kills.
The
Ornithological Behaviorist very quickly concluded the cause:
When
crows
eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree
to
warn
of impending danger. They discovered that while all the
lookout
crows
could shout "Cah!", not a single one could shout "Truck!"
Ah!
Science!!!!!
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